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Britain's Got Talent Shaheen is hailed by the king of Motown
By Georgina Littlejohn, London Lite Last updated at 13:01pm on 08.07.09Britain's Got Talent star Shaheen Jarfargholi is set to become a megastar after a billion TV viewers saw his performance at Michael Jackson's memorial.
Triumph: Shaheen's stunning set at the Jackson memorial
The 12-year-old schoolboy moved most of the audience to tears as he sang a rendition of the Jackson Five hit Who's Lovin You?
Jarfargholi, who sang the same song on the ITV talent show which sent him to the finals, was the talk of the ceremony after he received a standing ovation.
Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records who discovered Jacko, said he wanted to sign the youngster and make him a star.
Talk show veteran Larry King revealed how Gordy heaped praise on the youngster. King, who attended the memorial, said on CNN: "At the end when that young boy came out to sing I leaned over to Berry Gordy and asked him who he was. Berry said 'I have no cotton pickin' idea but I'd sign him tomorrow'."
Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell said today: "He was brilliant."
It was one of the biggest nights of Swansea-born Jarfargholi's life, but he remained calm as he thanked Jackson for inspiring him. He told the 19,000-strong audience at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles: "I just want to say I love Michael Jackson."
The superstar became a fan after Jarfargholi's BGT audition was broadcast on YouTube. The young singer was invited by Jackson's family to perform at the memorial.
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Reader views (4)
So it is true then. People from Barry are as deaf as a post. Or are they just a little stupid ? Uncle Bryn loves him anyway.
- Keith Price, Luton, England
When I saw him last night, I had already decided that this young boy had just sealed his future. He wont need to do the promo's to break into the US market, he had the whole world watching him yesterday, and his acceptance on the world stage was inevitable. I always thought he was overlooked in favour of the dance groups, in BGT, and yet, there he was, an "unknown" singing on the stage with Stevie Wonder and Usher. Wow!!
- Maya, London
so his rendition of a jackson song reduced people at the funeral to tears, he has the same effect on me every time every time he screechs ,personally I dont believe he can sing at all
- B.Wiiliams, barry wales
This little handsome boy , is packed with personality, charm and a wicked soulful voice, i just wept to hear his tribute to Michael Jackson, what a real star you are Shaheen, live long and enjoy your life, your parents i'm sure are soooo!!! proud of your confidence goodluck in your future venture's godbless x x
- Annie, croydon
